Newcastle boss Pardew hopeful of Coloccini U-turn

Coloccini this week asked for a transfer back to his native Argentina so he can be reunited with his wife.

But the former Deportivo La Coruna man, who is wanted by San Lorenzo, showed no sign of his off-the-field troubles on Saturday, putting in a solid performance which was much to his manager's delight.

"He was excellent today," the Newcastle manager said. "Of the four centre-halves on the pitch he was the most assured.

"He gave us that calmness in the heat of battle and you need that."

San Lorenzo hope to have the signing of Coloccini wrapped up next week, although the Argentinian club admit they cannot afford to shell out a big fee for a player Newcastle paid over £10million for in 2008.

Pardew confirmed that Coloccini will hold a meeting with the Newcastle hierarchy next week as they attempt to hold on to their skipper until at least the end of the season.

"Of course," Pardew said when asked whether he was hopeful of keeping the defender.